Flowers find home in old thermoses======================================================================Flowers find a festive home in old Thermos jugs04:09 PM CDT on Sunday, August 27, 2006By CLARE MIERS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News Flowers find a festive home in old Thermos jugs04:09 PM CDT on Sunday, August 27, 2006By CLARE MIERS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News I can't pass up an old Thermos picnic jug at an estate sale, especially when the insulated drink container has a vintage color. If it is in pristine shape, that's even better because I like to use the jugs on road trips. My favorite thing to do is to swing by the drive-through window at Bubba's Cooks Country on west Northwest Highway near Stemmons Freeway and buy a few super-large iced teas to pour into the jug. Flowers cool their heels in colorful Thermos picnic jugs. " width="175" src="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/v3/08-27-2006.nsl_27vases.GEV1V4DN6.1.jpg" onclick="return clickedImage(this);" height="208" onmouseover=" this.style.cursor='hand'"> NATALIE CAUDILL/DMN Flowers cool their heels in colorful Thermos picnic jugs. Sometimes, old picnic jugs look good on the outside but are in bad shape on the inside or they leak. If so, they can't be used for drinks, but don't put them out to pasture just yet: Fill them with flowers. Several colorful Thermos containers overflowing with blooms make a terrific summer centerpiece for casual dining. If the jugs leak, arrange the flowers in a jar filled with water and sit that inside the jug. Cut the flower stems to create a low-profile arrangement that facilitates conversation across the table. One of these flower arrangements also is ideal for a guest room, especially at a lake cabin. Or take one to a loved one in an assisted-living center. And imagine a co-worker's delight if you place one of these cheerful bouquets on his or her desk. Finding a vintage picnic jug can be as easy as looking in your garage. Or try estate sales and garage sales, where they sometimes are sold for a few dollars. Clare Miers is a Dallas freelance writer and photo stylist. E-mail home@dallasnews.com FRIDAY IN HOME OASIS: A Richardson garden delights the eye and the soul